Ovarian Follicular Cysts Research Articles

Cytological image of the endometrium in cows in follicular and luteal phases of the ovarian cycle and in cows with follicular and luteal ovarian cysts

Abstract The experiment was conducted on 30 Holstein-Friesian cows: 10 cows in the follicular phase of the cycle and in the luteal phase 10 d later, 10 cows with follicular cysts, and 10 with luteal cysts. The presence of the ovarian structures was confirmed by ultrasonography. Serum levels of progesterone and 17β-oestradiol were tested with ELISA. Samples for cytological examination were collected from the uterus of all cows using a cytological brush. Following staining, the smears were evaluated in terms of quality and percentages of endometrial cells. In the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle, cells of type A - superficial cells (64.6 ± 4.48) were proportionally the largest group of cells. Cells of type C - basal cells (19.8 ± 2.75) were also present. In the luteal phase, the highest percentage of cells was of type B - intermediate cells (76.9 ± 4.26). When follicular cysts were present on the ovaries, the cytology resembled the follicular phase of the cycle, but with many younger type C cells (33.1 ± 4.11). In the case of luteal cysts on the ovaries, the cytology was similar to that of the luteal phase of the cycle, however with a lower percentage of type B cells (58.1 ± 5.71), and a slightly higher percentage of the other types. The differences in the cytological image of the uterus when different ovarian structures are present, depend on the hormonal activity of those structures. Due to the lack of literature data, the results of the study are important as a model, and may substantially facilitate identification of phases of the oestrus cycle, or the pathologies described, as well as indicate the current status of the endometrium

Ovarian preservation in children for adenexal pathology, current trends in laparoscopic management and our experience.

Aims:Primary cysts and tumors of the ovary alongwith torsion are often regarded as an indication for open oophorectomy because of the fear of leaving an ischemic organ inside and chances of recurrence. We wish to report our experience of both modalities of management where we initially removed adenexal torsion by either laparoscopic salpingo-oophorectomy or oophorectomy, but later followed a more conservative approach of adenexal lesion removal with ovarian preservation.Materials and Methods:Retrospective review of clinical records of patients with ovarian pathology who were managed laparoscopically.Results:46 cases of pediatric ovarian pathology were managed between March 2006 and March 2013 in two centers by a team of surgeons. The age ranged from 1 days to 18 years (average 14.3 years) and the pathology varied from 30 cases of a simple ovarian cyst with torsion, 3 cases of ovarian torsion without any cyst, 7 cases of a dermoid cyst with torsion in all, 1 case of secreting ovarian tumor and 5 cases of a paraovarian cyst with torsion. All patients had a normal tumor marker except 1 girl with a functional ovarian tumor who had elevated LDH and estrogen levels alongwith suppressed LH and FSH. In the initial period of our study we did 1 salpingo-oophorectomy for a suspected complex lesion and two oophorectomies for torsion with a simple cyst. In the later part of our study we performed laparoscopic cystectomy and ovarian preservation in 40 cases, including 7 cases of dermoid, where we performed laparoscopic detorsion with dermoid cystectomy and ovarian preservation in the same sitting. In three cases of chronic torsion who presented to us late, we could not preserve the ovary and had to resort to salpingo-ophorectomy. Histology showed a simple corpus luteal and follicular ovarian cyst in 31 cases, a paraovarian cyst in 5 cases with mature teratoma in 7 cases. Twenty-five patients with ovarian preservation following detorsion were subjected to follow-up ultrasound, who were found to have normal shape, size and blood flow compared to the contra lateral side.Conclusion:We outline our experience from the management of 46 cases of various ovarian pathologies with and without ischemia and found that ovarian torsion with a benign pathology and ischemia is not a contraindication for ovarian preservation, as pointed out in the current literature.

Precocious pseudopuberty due to an autonomous ovarian follicular cyst: case report with a review of literatures

BackgroundSmall follicular cysts are commonly found in the ovaries of prepubertal girls, and in most cases, they are of no clinical importance. These cysts are usually self-limiting and resolve spontaneously. However, occasionally, these cysts may enlarge and continue to produce estrogen, resulting in signs of sexual precocity. Here, we report a case of precocious pseudopuberty associated with an autonomous ovarian follicular cyst.Case presentationA 5.9-year-old girl initially presented to a local clinic with vaginal bleeding and a large unilateral ovarian cyst. At 6 months after the initial acute episode, the patient visited our hospital as the ovarian cyst had persisted and increased in size. Endocrinological examination showed elevated estrogen levels and suppressed gonadotropin levels on GnRH stimulation test. Also, no skin pigmentation or bone anomaly was noted. Based on these observations, laparoscopic cystectomy was performed, and histologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a follicular cyst. After the laparoscopic cystectomy, the patient’s hormone levels returned to normal and no ovarian cyst was detected by ultrasound.ConclusionsAs autonomous ovarian cysts are usually self-limiting disorder, no treatment is necessary. Therefore, surgical management should be deferred as long as possible to avoid the risk of repeat surgery, as pseudoprecocious puberty due to autonomous ovarian cysts can resolve spontaneoulsy and frequently recurs. Precocious pseudopuberty with an ovarian cyst may be due to granulosa cell tumor or may be one symptom of the McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS). A careful longer-term follow up of patients with autonomous ovarian cysts and/or molecular studies may be necessary in such cases.

Cystic ovarian follicles and thyroid activity in the dairy cow

Thyroid activity affects the functionality of the reproductive axis and thyroid dysfunction has been associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and polycystic ovarian syndrome, in human medicine. This study investigates serum17-<beta> estradiol, progesterone, thyrotropic and thyroid hormone levels, in cyclic dairy cows on heat (Group H) and in dairy cows with ovarian follicular cysts (Group FC). Both 17-<beta> estradiol and progesterone serum concentrations were statistically higher in cystic than in cyclic cows (estradiol: 8.51±1.91 vs 6.32±1pg/mL) (progesterone: 0.49±0.17 vs 0.13±0.03ng/mL), whereas TSH and fT4 serum concentrations were statistically lower in cows with cystic ovarian follicles (COF), compared to cyclic ones (TSH: 2.48±1.31 vs 3.56±1.03ng/mL) (fT4: 5.86±1.69 vs 8.63±1.08). fT3 serum levels were similar, in both cystic and cyclic subjects (2.94±0.65 vs 3.02±0.9, respectively). Based on these results it was decided to examine the function of the thyrothropic axis of dairy cows in a similar manner to that conducted on humans. If severe hypothyroidism should be found, a hormone replacement therapy could be attempted in cystic cows refractory to “ordinary” therapies.

The intravaginal electrical impedance measurements in monitoring estrous cyclicity, the length of the breeding season and ovarian cysts in goats

The aim of this work was to assess the usefulness of the intravaginal impedance measurements in monitoring estrous cycles, indicating ovarian disorders and determining the duration of the reproductive season in goats. Intravaginal electrical impedance at the vagino-cervical junction was measured using the 2-electrode impedometer (shaft diameter 0.6cm; electrode outer diameter 0.8cm, shaft length 21cm). The outer electrode has a diameter of 0.8cm. The first experiment was carried out on 8 goats during the mid-breeding season and included 2 consecutive estrous cycles. Intravaginal electrical impedance was measured daily and blood samples were taken at time for plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4) and at 4-h intervals during estrus for detection of the luteinizing hormone (LH) peak. The second experiment was conducted in goats (n=4) in which irregular estrous cycles and presence of follicular cysts had been previously observed. Experiment 3 was performed during the transitional period between the breeding season and anestrus (n=8). During the breeding season, the changes in concentration of P4 were highly correlated with the values of intravaginal electrical impedance (r=0.84; P<0.01), and the profile changes of the intravaginal impedance followed a pattern similar to the changes in P4 concentrations. Reduction in vaginal impedance was closely associated with the onset of behavioral estrus and the LH peak. In peri-estrous period, the intravaginal impedance values were 35.65±0.49Ω and were significantly different (P<0.01) than in the luteal phase (57.39±0.37Ω). Positive correlations and similar profile of changes in the intravaginal impedance and concentrations of P4 were also recorded in goats, in which disorders in the course of the estrus cycle were found, caused by the presence of the ovarian follicular cysts. In these goats both the intravaginal impedance and concentration of progesterone remained constant and low level (32.17±0.53Ω, and 0.43±0.03ng/ml, respectively). During the onset of the seasonal anestrus, in spite of the remaining low concentration of P4, intravaginal impedance did not show higher fluctuations, and the correlation between these parameters was negative (r=−0.31; P<0.01). In conclusion, the results demonstrated that measurements of the intravaginal impedance can be useful to monitor the estrous cycle and in goats. Our preliminary results also suggested the usefulness of measurements of intravaginal impedance in signaling the presence of ovary cysts in goats. However, these studies require further follow-up. Moreover, measurements of the intravaginal impedance can constitute an information about the onset of the seasonal anestrus in this animal species.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-15 (BMP-15) and Growth Differentiation Factor-9 (GDF-9) in ovarian polyovular follicles and follicular cysts in pigs

The aim of the study was to determine relationships in the intrafollicular concentrations of BMP-15 and GDF-9, occurring between uniovular and polyovular follicles and follicular ovarian cysts in gilt ovaries. In order to determine the concentrations of BMP-15 and GDF-9, ELISA method was applied using the species-specific kits. The lowest concentration of BMP-15 was observed in the uniovular follicles, while the highest concentration was found in the ovarian cysts. The differences in the concentrations of BMP15 between the uniovular and polyovular follicles and the follicular ovarian cysts were statistically significant (p<0,01). Moreover, statistically significant differences in the concentration of BMP-15 were found between the ovulatory polyovular follicles and large uniovular and polyovular follicles (p<0,05). In the GDF-9 concentration, statistical differences (p<0,01) were found between the uniovular follicles, polyovular follicles and ovarian cysts. However, the differences observed between the ovulatory uniovular and polyovular follicles and the large uniovular and polyovular follicles appeared to be statistically unimportant. The demonstrated presence of BMP-15 and GDF-9 in the uniovular and polyovular follicles may suggest that these factors take part in the course of folliculogenesis in pigs. Moreover, substantially higher concentrations of BMP-15 and GDF-9 in the ovarian cysts may also indicate their participation in the formation of pathological ovarian structures.

Seasonal Reproductive Activity of Domestic Queens (Felis catus) in the Tropics of Mexico

The objective of this study was to determine the seasonal ovarian activity of domestic queens under the tropical conditions of southern Mexico (19° 30' and 21° 35' N latitude). A total of 250 reproductive tracts were evaluated, and the frequencies of queens with ovarian activity (oestrus, dioestrus or pregnant), anoestrus, pregnancies and ovulation rate by season of the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter) were calculated. Ovarian activity was observed throughout the year, but a significant reduction occurred during the winter; conversely, anoestrous cases were lower during spring and showed an increase during summer, autumn and winter. Pregnancies were most common during spring and decreased during summer, autumn and winter. Ovulation rate varied from 2.5 to 2.8 during the four seasons. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia, pyometra and ovarian follicular cysts were the most common lesions found. The results demonstrate that domestic queens are not seasonal in tropical conditions, but a clear effect of the season of the year reducing ovarian activity is present.

Hormonal treatment of dairy goats affected by hydrometra associated or not with ovarian follicular cyst

Hydrometra is considered a very important pathological condition, because it represents one of the main causes of temporary infertility in dairy goats. The objective was (i) to evaluate a protocol for the treatment of hydrometra associated (n=2) or not (n=17) with follicular ovarian cyst in 19 dairy goats and (ii) to assess its reproductive efficiency after treatment. For this purpose, 10mg of dinoprost (PGF) divided in two equal doses were administered to all animals intravulvosubmucosally on Days 0 and 10. In addition, 500IU hCG were administered on Day 7. Ultrasound exams were performed in all females from Days 0 to 3, 7 and 10 to 13 of treatment, in order to evaluate uterus drainage after each treatment. Goats were monitored for estrus after both treatments and mated after the second dose of PGF. Blood samples were collected from 11 goats to determine plasma progesterone concentrations before, during and after treatment. Of the 19 goats treated, 16 lost weight after the first dose, probably due to uterine discharge. Complete drainage of uterine fluid was observed in 11/19 (57.9%) and 17/19 (89.5%) after the first and second doses, respectively. Afterwards, we diagnosed 2 more goats with follicular cysts, for a total of 21.1% (4/19) of animals exhibiting hydrometra and ovarian cyst concomitantly. In one doe the diagnosis was on Day 2 and in the other on Day 11. All does showed progesterone concentrations superior to 1ng/mL at Day 0, with an average of 10.6±1.4ng/mL. Out of the 10 goats mated, only two became pregnant after treatment, corresponding to 10.5% of the total (2/19). Although prostaglandin was effective to drain the uterine fluid and led to the onset of estrus, it did not improve the pregnancy rate. The use of hCG in female goats was not effective in luteinizing the cysts. It can be concluded that hydrometra alone or associated with ovarian follicular cyst may adversely affect goat reproductive performance.

Alteration in localization of steroid hormone receptors and coregulatory proteins in follicles from cows with induced ovarian follicular cysts

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important cause of infertility in cattle. The altered follicular dynamics and cellular differentiation observed in COD may be mediated through a disruption of the expression of steroid receptors and their associated transcriptional cofactors. The aim of this study was to determine the protein expression profiles of ESR1, ESR2, PGR, AR, NCOA3, NCOR2, and PHB2 (REA) in ovarian follicles in an experimental model of COD induced by the administration of ACTH. Ovaries were collected and follicles were dissected from heifers during the follicular phase (control) or from heifers treated with ACTH to induce the formation of ovarian follicular cysts. Ovaries were fixed, sectioned, and stained immunohistochemically for steroid receptors and the associated transcription factors. The relative expression of ESR1 was similar in follicular cysts and in tertiary follicles from both control and cystic cows and was significantly higher than in secondary follicles. The expression of ESR2 in the granulosa was higher in cystic follicles. No differences were seen for PGR. The expression of androgen receptor was significantly increased in tertiary follicles with lower immunostaining in cysts. The expression of NCOA3 was observed in the granulosa and theca with a significantly increased expression in the theca interna of cystic follicles. The highest levels of NCOR2 expression in granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa were observed in cysts. In granulosa cells, NCOR2 levels increase progressively as follicles mature and the treatment had no effect. In summary, ovaries from animals with induced COD exhibited altered steroid receptor expression compared with normal animals, as well as changes in the expression of their regulators. It is reasonable to suggest that in conditions characterized by altered ovulation and follicular persistence, such as COD, changes in the intra-ovarian expression of these proteins could play a role in their pathogenesis.

The ways of optimization treatment of ovarian cystic lesions

Studies of endocrine status allowed to justify the appointment the drug TazalokТМ for patients with ovarian cysts. Phytoselective therapy with TazalokТМ was effective in most patients (83,3%) with ovarian follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.

A Giant Ovarian Cyst in a Neonate with Classical 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency with Very High Testosterone Levels Demonstrating a High-Dose Hook Effect

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of disorders affecting the adrenal steroid synthesis. The most common form, 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), leads to decreased production of cortisol and aldosterone with increased androgen secretion. In classic CAH, glucocorticoid treatment can be life-saving and serves to bring the symptoms under control. However, the treatment challenge is to effectively control the excess androgen effect by using the lowest possible glucocorticoid dose. Previous studies suggested a relationship between ovarian cyst formation and adrenal androgen excess, but neonatal large ovarian cysts have been very rarely reported in newborns with CAH. Here, we present the unique case of a neonate with classical 21-OHD who underwent surgery for a giant (10x8x7 cm) unilateral solitary ovarian follicular cyst on the 2nd postnatal day. Hormonal evaluation of the patient revealed high-dose hook effect for serum testosterone levels for the first time by a two-site immunoradiometric assay. Possible mechanisms by which androgen excess may cause ovarian cyst formation are discussed. Conflict of interest:None declared.

Endocrine milieu and developmental dynamics of ovarian cysts and persistent follicles in postpartum dairy cows

Ovarian follicular cysts and persistent follicles are follicular pathologies involved in reduced fertility of dairy cows. Two separate experiments were performed on high-yielding Holstein cows to characterize ovarian cyclicity and evaluate the developmental dynamics of follicle pathologies postpartum. In experiment 1, 58 cows were monitored by ultrasonography twice weekly from d 18±1 to 69±2 postpartum. First ovulation occurred 38±3, 27±2, 20±1, and 25±3 d postpartum in cows with 1 cycle (n=11), 2 cycles (n=21), 3 cycles (n=13), and 4 cycles (n=7), respectively. Follicular pathologies were developed in cows that were either acyclic (n=6) or had 1 or 2 cycles, but not in cows with more than 2 cycles. In experiment 2, 47 cows were monitored twice weekly from 10 d postpartum to second ovulation. Follicles ≥17mm in diameter in 2 consecutive scans were aspirated, and concentrations of various hormones were measured. Cows were defined as cyclic (n=30; 64%) or with the potential to develop follicular pathology (n=17; 36%). Aspirated follicles (n=27) were classified into 3 main groups based on follicular growth rate, follicular diameter, and ovarian activity before and after follicular aspiration. Dominant follicles (n=4) were defined as large follicles (20mm in diameter) with growth rate ≤1mm/d and normal ovarian activity. Persistent follicles (n=6) had the same growth rate and diameter as the dominant follicles, but persisted at the same diameter for ≥10d. Ovarian cysts (n=17) were defined as the largest follicular structures (19 to 32mm in diameter), with abnormal growth rate (>1mm/d) and abnormal ovarian activity. Single or turnover cysts did not differ in their growth parameters and were therefore combined and further classified according to follicular-fluid hormone concentrations. Estradiol-dominant cysts (n=7) were characterized by normal estradiol (284 to 659ng/mL) and progesterone (20 to 113ng/mL) concentrations, similar to those of the dominant follicle (554 to 993ng/mL and 44 to 106ng/mL, respectively). Progesterone-dominant cysts (n=5) were characterized by low estradiol (0.06 to 330ng/mL) and high progesterone (586 to 3,288ng/mL) concentrations. Low-steroidogenic active cysts (n=5) were characterized by low concentrations of both estradiol (23 to 61ng/mL) and progesterone (17 to 205ng/mL). Characterization of spontaneously forming cysts might enable definition of the formation of ovarian follicular pathologies in postpartum cows.

Exuberant Mucometra Associated with Atresia of the Cervix in a Queen

This short communication reports the clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings in a cat with atresia of the uterine cervix and mucometra. After 6 months of continuous oestrous behaviour, a remarkable abdominal enlargement was observed in a 14-year-old queen. A presumptive diagnosis of mucometra was concluded after the ultrasound evaluation and based on clinical signs and blood analyses. Ovariohysterectomy revealed a notable symmetrical distension (4-5 cm in diameter) of both uterine horns that were filled with fluid (690 ml); microbiological analyses confirmed the aseptic nature of the uterine fluid. Ovarian follicular cysts and cystic subsurface epithelial structures, >1.5 cm in diameter, were present in both ovaries and no corpora lutea were observed. Gross and microscopic evaluation of the uterus confirmed the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia and the absence of an internal cervical os. The endometrial hyperplasia and mucometra could have developed as a consequence of repeated oestrogenic stimulation.

Levels of heat shock protein transcripts in normal follicles and ovarian follicular cysts

In the study, the gene expression of several heat shock proteins (HSPs) was determined in normal follicles and cystic follicles from cattle. A lower expression of HSP10 and HSP40 was observed in granulosa and theca cells of cysts compared to normal follicles. HSP27 was significantly less expressed in granulosa cells in cystic and large antral follicles than in other follicular categories. HSP60 and HSP90a expressions were highest in theca cells of cysts. However, HSP70 and HSP90b exhibited a lower expression in cysts than in healthy follicles.

Aromatase inhibitors in pediatrics

Aromatase, an enzyme located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-producing cells, catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the conversion of androgens to estrogens in many tissues. The clinical features of patients with defects in CYP19A1, the gene encoding aromatase, have revealed a major role for this enzyme in epiphyseal plate closure, which has promoted interest in the use of inhibitors of aromatase to improve adult height. The availability of the selective aromatase inhibitors letrozole and anastrozole--currently approved as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer--have stimulated off-label use of aromatase inhibitors in pediatrics for the following conditions: hyperestrogenism, such as aromatase excess syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, McCune-Albright syndrome and functional follicular ovarian cysts; hyperandrogenism, for example, testotoxicosis (also known as familial male-limited precocious puberty) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia; pubertal gynecomastia; and short stature and/or pubertal delay in boys. Current data suggest that aromatase inhibitors are probably effective in the treatment of patients with aromatase excess syndrome or testotoxicosis, partially effective in Peutz-Jeghers and McCune-Albright syndrome, but probably ineffective in gynecomastia. Insufficient data are available in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia or functional ovarian cysts. Although aromatase inhibitors appear effective in increasing adult height of boys with short stature and/or pubertal delay, safety concerns, including vertebral deformities, a decrease in serum HDL cholesterol levels and increase of erythrocytosis, are reasons for caution.

Systemic inflammation, cellular influx and up-regulation of ovarian VCAM-1 expression in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS, a major cause of anovulatory sterility, is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. New evidence suggests that the immune system aggravates the clinical features of PCOS. Our aim was to study the immune, metabolic and endocrine features of a mouse model of PCOS elicited by androgenisation using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). We observed a significant weight gain and insulin resistance in DHEA-androgenised mice, coupled with the formation of ovarian follicular cysts. DHEA up-regulated the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in the granulosa cell layer of the majority of cysts, and VCAM-1 expression in the theca cell layer of all follicles and cysts. The expression of these markers was low in control tissue. Peritoneal cells from PCOS-mice showed enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines, suggesting an association between chronic inflammation and PCOS. In addition, DHEA-androgenisation induced the activation of CD4(+) cells both in vivo and in vitro, and their expression of the respective ligands for VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, VLA-4 and LFA-1, as assessed in vitro. CD4(+) cells were present in androgenised ovaries, especially in the granulosa cell layer of cysts with high VCAM-1 expression. Herein, we present novel evidence that the immune system is activated systemically and locally in a mouse model for PCOS. We propose that VCAM-1 is involved in aggravating PCOS symptoms by promoting leukocyte recruitment to the ovaries and perpetuating local inflammation. These findings offer novel therapeutic opportunities for PCOS, such as blockage of VCAM-1 expression.

Reproductive performance of dairy cows with luteal or follicular ovarian cysts after treatment with buserelin

In dairy farm management economic losses resulting from cystic ovarian degeneration are well known. In spite of this, neither the definition nor the aetiopathology of ovarian cysts are clear and agreed upon. Also the usual classification in luteal and follicular cysts, requiring ultrasound examination together with assessment of P4 to be accurate, is not very helpful in field conditions. Consequently a single treatment is often provided for both types of cysts, and since the 1970s treatments with GnRH and its analogues have been considered very useful. Nevertheless differences in recovery rates after GnRH treatment in animals with either luteal or follicular cysts are reported. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate recovery rate, recovery time and conception rate after treatment with buserelin (GnRH-analogue) in cows with ovarian luteal or follicular cysts. In a 5 years period, 150 cows with cysts out of a total of 990 animals, were detected and treated intravenously between 45 and 60 days PP with 20 μg buserelin. No statistically significant differences were found in recovery rates and in conception rates between the two types of cysts. Comparison of recovery times showed significantly shorter recovery for cows with luteal cysts. The results emphasise the usefulness of GnRH to treat ovarian cysts regardless of their type, in relation to both recovery and conception rates. Intervals from treatment to resumption of ovarian activity were affected by the characteristics of ovarian cysts, with a faster recovery for the luteal type.

Symptomatic congenital ovarian cyst in a monochorionic twin

Background and aimsCongenital ovarian cysts is increasing being diagnosed because of advances in imaging technology. Most are primarily of follicular origin and can result in pelvic discomfort and pain, feeding...

Biochemical and hormonal composition of follicular cysts in water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis)

The objective of this study was to examine the follicular fluid biochemical and hormonal changes associated with ovarian follicular cysts in buffalo. Follicular fluid was aspirated from eight cysts and eight preovulatory follicles, and subjected to biochemical and hormonal analyses. Cysts were characterized by a greater ( P < 0.01) concentration of nitric oxide and lesser concentrations of ascorbic acid and glucose than that of preovulatory follicles ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Furthermore, follicular cysts had greater concentrations of progesterone ( P < 0.001), triiodothyronine (T 3) and cortisol ( P < 0.05) and lesser concentrations of insulin ( P < 0.001) than preovulatory follicles. The results indicate follicular cysts in buffalo have an altered biochemical and hormonal composition. The alterations include increases in nitric oxide, progesterone, cortisol and T 3 concentrations with a concurrent reduction in ascorbic acid, insulin and glucose concentrations. The study suggests that greater progesterone concentrations possibly inhibit the onset of LH surge resulting in formation of follicular cysts in buffalo. In addition, it implies the plausible role of intra-ovarian regulators such as nitric oxide, ascorbic acid and insulin in development of the condition.

New insights into the pathogenesis of cystic follicles in cattle: Microarray analysis of gene expression in granulosa cells1

Ovarian follicular growth and development are regulated by extraovarian and intraovarian factors, which influence granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive follicular growth are not completely understood. Ovarian follicular cysts are one of the most common causes of reproductive failure in dairy cattle. Nevertheless, the primary cause of cyst formation has not been clearly established. A gene expression comparison may aid in elucidating the causes of ovarian cyst disease. Our objective was to identify differentially expressed genes in ovarian granulosa cells between normal dominant and cystic follicles of cattle. Granulosa cells and follicular fluid were isolated from dominant and cystic follicles collected via either ultrasound-guided aspiration from dairy cows (n = 24) or slaughterhouse ovaries from beef cows (n = 23). Hormonal analysis for progesterone, estradiol, and androstenedione in follicular fluid was performed by RIA. Total RNA was extracted and hybridized to 6 Affymetrix GeneChip Bovine Genome Arrays (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Abundance of mRNA for differentially expressed selected genes was determined through quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR. Follicular cysts showed greater (P < 0.05) progesterone, lesser (P < 0.05) estradiol, and no differences (P > 0.10) in androstenedione concentrations compared with noncystic follicles. A total of 163 gene sequences were differentially expressed (P < 0.01), with 19 upregulated and 144 downregulated. From selected target genes, quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR confirmed angiogenin, PGE(2) receptor 4, and G-protein coupled receptor 34 genes as upregulated in cystic follicles, and Indian hedgehog protein precursor and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 genes as downregulated in cystic follicles. Further research is required to elucidate the role of these factors in follicular development and cyst formation.